By JANET HART LEONARD
For The Reporter
There’s a new chef in town. Actually, there is a new restaurant in town. The chef has been delighting the taste buds of Hamilton County diners for over 30 years, and now they’re on the Square in Noblesville.
Chef Bill Wampler, his wife Lisa, and her sister Chamron Baird opened Bar Ellis the day after Christmas. It can be described as the coziest 17-foot-wide space in downtown Noblesville. The two-story restaurant, tucked into an 1869 historic building, is filled with ambiance and charm. The rooftop patio and outdoor alley will be oh-so-popular when warm weather arrives.
A few days ago, I sat down with Lisa to chat. Both she and Chef Bill hope that Bar Ellis will be a gathering place for neighbors and families to make memories while enjoying food that makes them want to return again and again. They look forward to being a part of the conversations that begin with, “Remember when?”
Glancing at the menu, I keep wondering what to choose. Chef Bill has mastered his mom’s Chicken and Noodles, and then there is Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Milanese, and oh-so-tender steaks. It’s hard not to order the Sea Scallops & Crab Cakes.
For vegans, there are several choices: Vegan Chik’n Milanese, Vegan Meatloaf (called Meati…Think mushrooms), vegan sandwiches, and even a Vegan Breaded Tenderloin.
Honestly, I could create a meal just from the appetizers: Coconut Shrimp, Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, Empanadas, and Jerk Chicken Wings. If you’ve never tried Chef Bill’s Tomato Horseradish Soup, you’re missing out on a delightful treat.
You may recognize the bartenders who serve specialty drinks on the Be Boozy and Be Free (non-alcoholic) drinks menu.
Both customers and the staff are loyal to Chef Bill and Lisa, including my daughter-in-law, Angie Baker. It was part of growing up for three of my grandchildren to work for them.
I checked out the Be Sweet Menu: Sticky Toffee Pudding, Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake, Key Lime Pie, and Peanut Butter Pops. But I have to tell you that the absolute favorite of most diners, including me, is the Wedding Cake. I told Lisa, “If cake is served in Heaven, it will taste like Bill’s Wedding Cake. Trust me … order it!”
After just a few weeks of opening on the south side of our downtown Square, Bar Ellis has become quite the hangout for friends and neighbors in Noblesville. You might even hear a reference to the TV show Cheers. Everyone may not know your name, but they will, as you will return and do so quite often.
Check out their website at bebarellis.com. On Thursdays and Saturdays, their After Dark Evenings begin at 9 p.m. when the sun goes down and the entertainment arrives. Think music and comedians.
Take a walk on the south side of the Hamilton County Courthouse where you can eat, drink, and BE merry! Tell them, “Janet sent me.”
Carryout is available. Reservations are recommended; however, they leave tables available for walk-ins.
Thank you for the chat, Lisa. You will see Chuck and me quite often. Cheers!